About 85,000 elephants live in Zimbabwe, and just as many are threatened by poachers every day. As a result, the Akashinga head the charge to protect vulnerable species. The all-female unit patrol former “trophy hunting” reserves in their anti-poaching efforts. Meaning “brave ones”, the Akashinga, act as guardians, protecting local wildlife from the plague of heartless poachers and their traps. Although often criticized, the group reduced poaching incidents by 80 percent in the Lower of Zambezi Valley since 2017. These numbers show their effectiveness in protecting the elephants who call this area home. (1)

The Women Of The Anti-poaching Army

The Akashinga works as an arm of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation. In their quasi-military attempts to fight often dangerous poachers, these women are no strangers to violence. Many survived domestic abuse or sexual assault and have found their calling fighting this noble cause. (1)

Nyaradzo Auxillia Hoto, a 28-year old member of the group escaped a violent marriage and successfully rose through the ranks after joining the group. Petronella Chigumbura, a 30-year-old single mom, joined the group after her divorce. As an assistant instructor sergeant, she earns a steady income and no longer struggles to feed her two children. (1)

Anti-Poaching Army Provides Jobs

“As a woman, I was focused on using Akashinga as a tool to fight my battle for a better life,” says Petronella. “I can now feed my kids and pay school fees for them. I acquired a driver’s license, which is a big deal for women in Africa! I am also building a big house for my children. Now I have the pride of having my own future.” (1)

“Before, it was commonly accepted that a ranger was always a man, but after the introduction of the Akashinga program, I wanted to prove that no job is only meant for men,” says Nyaradzo. “At first, my community couldn’t believe a woman could be a ranger. But the sky is the limit, and women can also be rangers.”  (1)

Anti-Poaching Army Faces Danger

The efforts of the women present daily dangers and risks. According to the BBC, in the past decade, more than 1,000 rangers died at the hands of poachers, as well as animal attacks and work-related accidents. This doesn’t discourage the brave women of the Akashinga. (1,2)

According to Petronella, the danger lies in poachers who use dangerous means to capture the animals. “Poachers use guns, snares, and even poison. Some use cyanide that kills a thousand animals in a few minutes,” she says. “Many poachers here in Zimbabwe are driven by poverty, hunger, and the search for survival.”  (1)

Nyaradzo says trying to guess how poachers will react to their presence is also threatening. “During patrols, it’s very hard to know what the poachers will be thinking, especially when we’re tracking them,” she says. “At the beginning of the lockdown in March, some elephants had succumbed to poisoning by locals. It’s also difficult to assume there’s no threat during patrol times because you might encounter dangerous wildlife or even armed poachers.”  (1)

Anti-Poaching Army: Love Of Animals

For Petronella, helping wildlife is the driving force behind her job. “The way I love my kids is the same way I love wildlife, and this has helped me to create a strong bond with the animals,” she says. “Akashinga ladies just live as a family with the wildlife. We’ve got a motherly, caring heart. I don’t want to see any cruelty inflicted on any animal. It pierces my heart.” (1)

Nyaradzo agrees with a fierce determination that animals have rights.  “Animals shouldn’t suffer or feel pain for the sake of our needs and desires,” she says. “They have the right to live and enjoy their life.” (1)

Anti-Poaching Army Looks To Future

Both women acknowledge the community needs more options to provide for their families. “Supporting community members with different projects, since most poachers are driven by poverty and hunger, can help them sustain their families,” says Petronella.  (1)

These brave women show how finding the strength to rise from difficulty can prompt change both in their lives and the lives of those around them.  (1)